Feature:

The Wealth of our Community

by Pepin

Baye-baye
(Photo Credit to flavorsofiloilo.com)

Panay is a big community comprised of hundreds of smaller sub-groups that live a culture of their own. But despite the differences, people manage to live cordially and work as one towards progress.

Various crafts and expertise flourish because there are plenty of avenues to enhance them. That is why in Panay region alone, one can name a famous author, like Magdalena Jalandoni; a brave leader, like Evelio Javier; and a world-renowned singer, just like Jed Madela.

There are also painters, lawyers, doctors, nurses, businessmen, beauty queens, entertainers, and engineers that excel in their own respective craft.

Evelio Javier

Digging deeper to the culture of Panay, there are interesting tales to tell, such as old-time favorite folklores of Capiz that talks about supernatural encounters and magical experiences. There are also miracles and beliefs that originated from the region, as well as popular personal accounts of faith. The locals have everything to tell about these.

Moreover, there are savoury foods to taste. Baye-baye, for example, is a perfect past-time and travel treat. Made from sticky rice and coconut ingredients, this popular delicacy in many parts of Antique and Iloilo is a sought by tourists visiting the region. Other “must-eats” are biscocho (butter toast), pinasugbo (caramelized banana fries), and binakol na manok (chicken and coconut soup).

But the best way to tell the wealth of one culture is through its people. The unwavering smiles, the sweet-sound of various dialects spoken around the region, and the enthusiastic energy of every individual strongly define the culture of a large community that lives harmoniously in the spectacular island of Panay.

(Right photo: A painting, entitled "HARVEST" by Anthony Geduspan of Guimbal, Iloilo. It shows the simple everyday life of people in Panay region. Photo credit to iloveiloilo.wordpress.com)